Minutes from QACRSPA Meeting - December 12, 2023

12:00 Richard welcomed everyone and asked first time attendees to raise their hands. He encouraged them to join the organization, not to swell our numbers, but to receive information. Debbie Chance, Area 3 North Director, was introduced as a special guest.

After Richard said grace, we enjoyed a delicious lunch. Several members of the Queen Anne's County High School chorus entertained us with lovely acapella Christmas music. They were accompanied by director, Luke Whitehair, and his student teacher.

Mary Lou Nelson thanked everyone, on Pam Edwards' behalf, for their support during the ALS walk. The original goal was set at $35,000 and $67,400 was collected. Last year there was one team, this year there were 15 teams. There were 19 local sponsors and 57 donated items awarded. Mary Lou shared with Pam that between last year's walk and this year's walk she had personally inspired donations of $100,000 for ALS research.

Debbie Chance, was formerly an area director, VP for 2 years, then Chair of the Scholarship Committee at the state level and has now returned to the position of Area Director. She continues to work on the Scholarship Committee, charged with awarding scholarships to current employees in education. Last year all of the scholarships, except one, went to provisional teachers. Debbie recognized Richard's contributions on the Nominating Committee. She emphasized the importance of having someone local replace Richard, on the nominating committee, so the shore is represented. Debbie passed out a survey for members to complete as they silently answered the question, "What is the value of being a member of this organization?"

Jackie Wilhelm awarded prizes to the top players in the Halloween Family Feud on Facebook. There was a tie so special witch trophies went to both Mary Holden and Madeline Hubbard. Jackie said members were setting their alarms to be the first to answer. She was impressed with the creative answers and thanked her husband, Mark, for making the trophies. The top 5 places in the Christmas Family Feud were: 5th- Mary Holden, 4th-Margo Massey, 3rd-Faye Williams, 2nd-Deb Crowe and 1st Madeline Hubbard. Participants enjoy this so much, Jackie has plans for a St. Patrick's Version.

The volume of mittens, socks, gloves and candy canes that were donated was overwhelming. Members stuffed the clothing items with a candy cane and pencil before tying the top with ribbon. Sandy will have help delivering them to pre-K and K classes throughout the county. We thank you for your generosity!

Each member left with a lovely pop-up Christmas card and Wishes for a Happy New Year.

Marge Felty, Secretary